Sign Language Interpreter Specialist

Definition

Provides a variety of sign language interpretation, sign language transliteration or oral transliteration services by using manual and oral methods of communication including signed English and American Sign Language to convey the full meaning of the speaker for the Deaf or hard of hearing.

Typical Duties

Attends in-person and virtual classes, guidance sessions, tutoring sessions, and student activities with Deaf or hard of hearing students to interpret educational information, classroom discussions, and activities through the use of manual and oral methods of communication for the Deaf or hard of hearing.

Conveys the full meaning of the speaker by achieving and delivering conceptually accurate academic material utilizing signed English and/or American Sign Language (ASL).

Continually assesses a student's communications skills in speech, lip-reading, signs, and fingerspelling in order to utilize the most appropriate communication methods based on the student's needs and preferences.

Observes progress being made by Deaf or hard of hearing students and reports observations to instructional and program staff.

Provides interpreting services at ceremonial events such as opening day, commencement, student and staff development, and for test sessions and meetings, as needed.

Works effectively in teams with other sign language interpreters.

Continually tracks and maintains preparation materials and resources as needed for interpreting jobs.

May perform a variety of clerical duties related to the effective operation of programs that include services for the Deaf or hard of hearing such as accepting telephone calls, disseminating information, preparing and processing correspondence and records, reports, maintaining files, and utilization of general and specialized software programs and adaptive technology.

Distinguishing Characteristics

A Sign Language Interpreter Specialist provides a variety of expressive and receptive sign language interpretation, sign language transliteration or oral transliteration services by using manual and oral methods of communication including signed English and American Sign Language to convey the full meaning of the information being communicated.

A Senior Sign Language Interpreter Specialist coordinates and schedules the interpreting services for the Deaf or hard of hearing students in an educational institution and participates in providing a variety of expressive and receptive sign language interpretation, sign language transliteration or oral transliteration services by using manual and oral methods of communication including signed English and American Sign Language to convey the full meaning of the information being communicated.

Supervision

General supervision is received from an academic or classified supervisor or administrator. May provide work direction to student employees.

Class Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Standard methods of manual communication for the Deaf or hard of hearing including American Sign Language, Signed English, fingerspelling, and non-manual expression including facial, eye, and body language

The culture and cultural experiences of the Deaf community

Common educational processes and procedures on a college campus

Current developments, trends, and techniques in the field of interpreting for both the Deaf or hard of hearing as utilized by the Deaf community

National Association of the Deaf (NAD)-Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct

Basic recordkeeping procedures

Capabilities of general and specialized computer systems, equipment, adaptive technology, and software used in providing interpreting services for the Deaf or hard of hearing

Skill in:

Conveying the thought, intent, and spirit of a speaker to a Deaf or hard of hearing person

Interpreting/transliterating expressively and receptively using manual and oral methods of communication for the Deaf or hard of hearing including signed English and American Sign Language

Ability to:

Utilize sufficient sign vocabulary to ensure proper expressive and receptive interpretation for various academic or vocational subject matters

Establish and maintain effective relationships with Deaf or hard of hearing students of diverse backgrounds, as well as, with faculty and staff

Observe the progress of a student and adapt or modify methods of communication and report observation to instructional and program staff, as needed

Maintain high professional standards in compliance with the established Code of Professional Conduct set forth by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (R.I.D.) including the confidentiality of information exchanged in an interpreting situation

Communicate effectively by signing, orally, and in writing

Keep detailed and accurate records

Meet schedules and timelines

Learn specialized software applications

Entrance Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND two years of full-time, paid or unpaid experience as an interpreter for the Deaf or hard of hearing. Completion of an American Sign Language Interpreting program of at least 30 units or its equivalent is desirable.

OR

B. A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university with a major in Deaf Studies with a concentration in ASL/English Interpreting or a closely related field and one year of full-time, paid or unpaid experience as an interpreter for the Deaf or hard of hearing.

OR

C. National Interpreter Certification (NIC) from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or equivalent.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans are provided for employees and their dependents.
• A $50,000 life insurance policy is provided free of charge for each employee.
• New employees receive 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days of illness leave.
• 19 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation days accrue annually beginning at 10 days and increasing incrementally to 24 days depending on years of service with the District. Vacation days for management and confidential positions begin at 15, 20, or 24 days.
• Other paid time off includes: bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena, and jury duty.
• Employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System. Employees are also covered by Social Security.
• Employee Assistance Program

Selection Process

The examination process may consist of one or more parts which may include a training and experience evaluation, written test, performance test and/or oral interview.